My name is Pablo Kuntz, and I’m a pretty big fan of Japan.

I’d like to first take this opportunity to thank our truly amazing customers, who have been unbelievably supportive over the years.

I am especially thankful for the enormous enthusiasm members of the US Armed Forces in Japan (and outside of Japan) have shown for Unique Japan. Without their support we would not be where we are today. Arigato gozaimasu!

From Rosemere to Japan

I grew up in small town called Rosemere, near Montreal, Canada. In 1993, shortly after graduating from the University of Western Ontario, I moved to Tokyo.

Ask anyone who has lived in Japan for any extent of time, the story is one with a full spectrum of emotional experiences. Outrageous, funny, frustrating, amazing, tough, intoxicating, humbling, stressful, addictive, the list goes on and on…

Japan is frequently entertaining and certainly never dull.

I’ve always had a great admiration for history and those who make great things with their hands. True artisans, in every sense of the word. Well, I can honestly say that craftspeople in Japan take the cake for their discipline and relentless pursuit of perfection. It’s simply in their DNA. And history has proven this fact century after century.

Unique Japan Launch, June 2006

With the help of my wife, Donna Canning (who I met in Japan incidentally) and the team at Marchforth, we set out to build Unique Japan to be a trusted source for the finest crafts from Japan, and deliver to the world. This was no easy task, but build it we did, and we went live with Unique Japan in June 2006.

Unique Japan is a place for quality and beauty and history that you can feel forever. I know other brands may make similar claims, but this is really different.

Steel, Swords and Souls

To say the least I am very passionate about antique Samurai swords. For me, and for many that own an antique Samurai sword, it embodies the true soul of Japan and it’s culture. You can just feel the history in every piece.

I am a proud member of the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), and I adore meeting people with a shared enthusiasm for all that makes Japan so unique.

Above: That’s me in my favorite Jinbei presenting an information session on Japanese swords at the CLSA Japan Forum 9 (Hyatt Hotel, Roppongi)

My love and appreciation of the Japanese sword naturally transcends to our incredible kitchen knives, art gallery, scissors, Daruma dolls (and all other pieces) that we have the privilege of offering to our customers. Japan is my second home, and I will only carry products that I believe in with complete confidence.

All I can say here, from the bottom of my heart, is that every meaningful piece at Unique Japan is for real. Real in every sense of the word. Real people, real history, real quality, real beauty. I personally stand behind everything we offer in our collection.

Above: I’ve recently had the privilege of appearing on Discovery Channel’s newest TV series called “Dealers”. I was on showcasing two Samurai swords to five real life Dealers from around the world. Show airs April 30, 2012 at 9pm on Discovery Channel UK. Click image for a video clip preview!

Tokyo and UK Offices

Donna and I now live near London with our two children after spending nearly 20 years in Japan. This move now makes it even more possible to share Unique Japan with an audience outside of Japan, especially here in England and in Europe.

I am still travelling back and forth to Japan a number of times per year, especially for our sword shows in Okinawa and Kamakura and private sales with VIP clients. Rie Yamashita leads the operations in Japan and she is doing an excellent job. If you ever want to reach any of us, simply use our contact form here.

Thank you for visiting Unique Japan. I look forward to meeting you in person one day.

Warm regards,

Pablo

Sister Sites:

We Love Daruma

Making dreams come true through the very motivational Daruma doll.

Daruma Kids

I am looking for licensing partners for our new character brand, the Daruma Kids. Interested?

Marchforth

If you need help with your web presence in Japan, we have been in business since 1999.

Here I am with the Takamura kitchen knife factory in Takefu talking to the boss himself and one of his three sons

This photo was taken at the Okinawa Sword Show in June 2011. I am showing the tang of one of the swords on sale.

(L to R) My wife Donna, me, Sumi-e Artist Ms. Houso Oguri and Mayumi Tokiwa at the Poggenpohl opening party in Tokyo

This photo was taken at the huge BX mall on Kadena Base in Okinawa. I am with Hideki Matsumoto, a terrific chef and personal friend

A photo of me in my younger days in Takasaki, the home of the Daruma doll. Shop for Daruma on our sister site, WE LOVE DARUMA!